1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
just lay the book over there on the table for now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to impose
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
state officials tried to lay a tax on merchandise sold over the Internet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to prepare
to make ready in advance
she's laying plans for the charity auction months ahead of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
the mason laid mortar over the first row of bricks before starting the second
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
7
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
an electrical fire that was laid to faulty wiring
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to bury
to place (a dead body) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea
lay the corpse to rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
she sang a short lay in dedication to her husband
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in work
the activity by which one regularly makes a living
my main lay is as a general contractor, but I do side work as a carpenter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in laic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lay
Sue Mead, Popular Science, 13 Feb. 2025
In the December e-mail chain among Riverside’s lay leadership, the city’s public preschool programs again came up as a rationale for shutting down Weekday.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
The department also oversees many lay movements.
—Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
What does that mean in lay terms?
—Vincent Danen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lay
Adjective
Beyond lay undulating dunes and sand mountains.
—Sue Mead, Popular Science, 13 Feb. 2025
In the December e-mail chain among Riverside’s lay leadership, the city’s public preschool programs again came up as a rationale for shutting down Weekday.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
The department also oversees many lay movements.
—Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
What does that mean in lay terms?
—Vincent Danen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay
Verb
-
The fest in the Czech spa town has earned a reputation as one of the biggest summer celebrations of film in Central Europe, putting the spotlight on new releases from the region and far beyond, along with highlights of the film festival circuit from the past year.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Part of this different tweak reflects longer life expectancies, which puts more pressure on an investment portfolio to deliver sound results over time.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
For all the chaos and strife of the tariffs in the opening act of his second term, Trump’s U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade deal, which went into effect in 2020, and his negotiations with China during his first term indicate some ability not just to pick economic fights but to try to settle them.—
Jennifer M. Harris,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Lindblad also lost steam, settling for par on every hole after the 11th.—
Benjamin Royer,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
On the first day of his second term, Trump issued executive orders to withdraw from the UN Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization and imposed a 90-day pause on all delivery of U.S. foreign aid.—
Ngaire Woods,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
As a result, experts have said a one-size-fits-all rate like what the White House imposed on steel, aluminum and cars would be devastating.—
Joseph Choi,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Remembering how a few crucial opportunities to work on calligraphy and design at a young age prepared him for his career in film, fashion, and painting, Yi Ming hopes to open similar doors for other young artists.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
With the prospect of diplomacy faltering, Israeli forces are preparing for the potential consequences, including any Iranian response to a possible Israeli attack on Iran.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
As cartels have grown more adept at using social media, their influence in Mexican culture has spread.—
Antón Barba-Kay,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Ahead of polls closing nationwide, 72 percent of people said Carney was going to win the election compared to 28 percent, on betting odds website Polymarket at 8:44 p.m. ET.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Munguia was a massive betting favorite in that fight at -3500, while Surace was the +900 underdog.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Carlos Santana likes to ascribe metaphors to his music.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Lu ascribes the game’s longevity to none other than community.—
Julius Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The election of a pope can be interrupted, not stopped The pope's funeral will end when his wooden coffin is taken in procession from St. Peter's Basilica to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the church in Rome where he will be buried.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
But Pope Francis chose to be buried in Rome, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major — about 2.5 miles away.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share